33 31 000 Removing And Installing Complete Rear Axle Carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
31 5 250
31 5 253
31 5 256

WARNING: Danger to life! See 51 71 505 MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform . See 51 71 505 MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM .
Remove rear wheels
Tension both coil springs (and leave on vehicle). See 33 53 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT COIL SPRING .
Remove propeller shaft . See 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED) COMPLETELY .
Expose cable for emergency release up to rear axle carrier . See 34 41 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTUATING UNIT WITH CONTROL UNIT FOR PARKING BRAKE (EMF) .
Disconnect plug connection on actuating unit (EMF) . See 34 41 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTUATING UNIT WITH CONTROL UNIT FOR PARKING BRAKE (EMF) .
Unclip lines for pulse generator, brake pad sensor or shock absorber above rear axle carrier from holders
Disconnect plug connection at both ride-height sensors
Remove both rear shock absorbers on wheel carrier (release retainers for brake hose). See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .

Version with ride-height control:

Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to remove the lower section of the air spring (1).

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Installation:

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

Fig 1: Removing Lower Section Of Air Spring

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NOTE: The plug connections on the right side are shown.

Partially detach rear wheel arch cover . See 51 71 041 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER .

Only on right side: Detach plug connection (1) for brake pad wear sensor and expose line up to control arm.

Detach plug connection (2) for pulse generator and expose lines up to control arm.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management: Detach both plug connections (3) for shock absorber and expose lines up to control arm.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

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Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

IMPORTANT: To prevent brake fluid from escaping from the expansion tank when the brake lines are opened, do not remove the pedal support until the brake lines have been reconnected.

Fig 3: Locating Brake Pedal Support Knob

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position an oil tray underneath to catch brake fluid.

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation:

Make sure brake hose is laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Brake Hoses

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage special tool 31 5 250 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.
Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 250) And (00 2 030)

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NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tool 31 5 256 to opening in rear axle carrier.

Align special tools 31 5 253 to cross-member arms on rear axle carrier.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 253) And (31 5 256)

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Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove underbody panelling (rear section) . See 51 47 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING .

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to control lines (2) when lowering and raising. Hydraulic lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release banjo bolts (1).

Tightening torque. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 7: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Control Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove front and rear compression struts and carefully lower rear axle carrier. See 33 32 153 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT COMPRESSION STRUT and 33 32 155 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR COMPRESSION STRUT .

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Bleed braking system . See 34 00 050 BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM WITH DSC .
Carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation . See 37 10 001 INITIAL OPERATION WITH TEST RUN OF DYNAMIC DRIVE .

IMPORTANT: If the pedal support is removed or slips before the brake lines are connected, it will be necessary to bleed the brake system at front and rear!